

Hold Time for Each Position : 5–10 breaths Get familiar with these essential moves (along with their modifications) so when you do hop into a flow, you can be confident that you're going to feel your best. The poses below are some of the most common positions you'll find in yoga flows, whether you're in a class or at home. So, there's never been a better time to start stretching. The American Osteopathic Association says that a regular yoga practice can increase flexibility, improve energy, and help you stay protected from future injury.

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that yoga designed for back pain can be as effective as relieving pain as physical therapy. If you're experiencing pain or stiffness, know that yoga is for you, too-and it can even help you find relief. And it can also be practiced in the comfort of your own home. Know that yoga can be done by any body given the proper modifications. But because of that, sometimes people assume yoga is only for those who are super athletic or flexible-or who are of a certain body shape. Some of the most popular yoga ambassadors are praised for doing acrobatic stunts and complicated stretches (which is awesome for them!). The image of yoga on social media can also be daunting. This is especially true if you're not comfortable going to a studio-and suffer from back pain and stiffness.
#Yoga poses for beginners how to#
While all of these benefits are appealing, it can be difficult to know how to start your own practice. A solid, consistent practice can improve your strength, flexibility, coordination-and even your mental well-being. For many, yoga is a path to physical health.
